Greater New Orleans football players identified as all-time defensive greats

A retrospective list identifies the greatest football players to emerge from the Greater New Orleans area, specifically focusing on defensive talent. To qualify for the list, players must have played high school football within the metro region and achieved success through college and the NFL.

The defensive lineup includes several notable figures, such as Hall of Famers and All-Pros. The defensive line features Neil Smith of McDonogh 35, Rich ‘Tombstone’ Jackson of Landry High School, Alden Roche’ of Xavier Prep, and James Hall of St. Augustine.

Linebackers highlighted include Michael Stonebreaker of John Curtis, Eddie Robinson Jr. of Brother Martin, and Burnell Dent of Destrehan. The secondary selection includes Hall of Famer Ed Reed, who played at Destrehan.